Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is an egg-based, high-dose flu shot approved for use in people 65 years of age and older. This vaccine is made with four times the amount of antigen than regular-dose flu shots. The antigen is the part of the vaccine that helps your body build protection against flu viruses. The higher amount of antigen helps to create a stronger immune response, and therefore better protection against the flu.

Who should get the high-dose flu vaccine?

The high-dose flu vaccine is recommended for people 65 years and older, who often have a lower immune response after flu vaccination compared to younger people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccine is best for you.

For PacificSource members, both the high-dose and regular-dose flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies or your doctor’s office. Visit our Flu Prevention webpage for more info.

What should you do if you qualify for the high-dose vaccine, but it is not available?

In addition to the high-dose flu vaccine, two other flu vaccines are preferred for individuals 65 years and older during the 2023-2024 flu season.

Fluad Quadrivalent is an egg-based flu vaccine. This vaccine is made with an adjuvant, which is an ingredient that is added to help create a stronger immune response.

Flublok Quadrivalent does not use flu virus or eggs. Like the high-dose vaccine, this vaccine is made with a higher amount of antigen than regular-dose flu vaccines.

State-specific flu vaccine resources

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Idaho

The Idaho Immunization Coalition is a team of parents, community members, and experts who share facts on immunizations to protect Idahoans from preventable disease.
  
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Montana

The Montana Immunization Partnership empowers Montanans to make informed vaccine decisions to protect families and communities from preventable illness.
  
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Oregon

Boost Oregon is a parent-led nonprofit organization that empowers people to make science-based vaccine decisions for themselves and their families.
  
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Washington

The Immunity Community promotes vaccine confidence across the lifespan through community partnerships and educational resources.
  

Flu vaccine general information

How long is the flu vaccine good for?

Flu vaccines are recommended once per year, for three reasons:

  1. Flu vaccine viruses are updated almost every year.
  2. Even if the viruses do not change between years, annual vaccination is still recommended because immunity decreases after a year.
  3. Immunity is found to last the entire flu season.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit:

Get the seasonal flu vaccine

To find where you can get a flu vaccine in your area:

Sources:

CDC.gov/flu

Oregon.gov/OHA/PH/PreventionWellness/fluPrevention